Why It Matters
Three House committees are preparing to depose the co-founder and chairman of ActBlue, the dominant fundraising platform for Democratic candidates and causes, amid allegations that the platform allowed fraudulent and foreign donations to flow into American campaigns. The stakes are immediate: the 2026 midterm elections are less than three months away, and Democratic candidates are still using ActBlue despite the ongoing investigation. The platform raised $586 million during the second quarter of 2026 for Democratic causes, candidates, and organizations.
The investigation centers on whether ActBlue misled Congress about its vetting procedures for foreign donations and whether it allowed bad actors to exploit its system. Attorney General Todd Blanche said in April that the ActBlue matter was a 'top priority' for his office. Democratic lawmakers and strategists argue that the ActBlue investigations are aimed at destabilizing their party ahead of the midterms.
The Deposition and the Investigation
Matt DeBergalis, co-founder, president, and chairman of ActBlue, will be deposed on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The House Administration Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are jointly conducting the investigation.
ActBlue denies wrongdoing and has rejected allegations that it allowed illegal foreign money into American campaigns. According to reporting cited by Town Hall, it appeared that ActBlue had lied to Congress about vetting foreign donations. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit alleging ActBlue misled consumers about donation processes that allow fraudulent and foreign donations to undermine election integrity.
The investigation also involves subpoenas issued to current and former ActBlue employees. In September 2025, the committee chairmen issued additional subpoenas for depositions from one current and two former employees.
The Broader Context
Questions about ActBlue's role in major midterm races have surfaced as Democratic candidates navigate the controversy. On August 17, 2026, the Daily Caller reported that many progressive 2026 candidates continue to accept campaign funds through ActBlue despite the ongoing congressional inquiries and fraud allegations.
ActBlue is the near-monopoly platform for small political donations in the Democratic ecosystem. A report titled "Fraud on ActBlue, Part II" alleged that ActBlue allowed bad actors, including foreign actors, to exploit its online platform to make fraudulent political donations.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article